Canadian Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio canadensis.
Canadian Tiger Swallowtail.
Family: Papilionidae.
If you take an interest in northern woodland butterflies, you have likely seen the Canadian Tiger Swallowtail before. I, however, was privileged to have my first up-close view of the Tiger Swallowtail while visiting friends at Lake Brereton, located in Manitoba’s gorgeous Canadian Shield lake country. Butterfly experts note that this is a common, nay, abundant, type of butterfly, so I am a little embarrassed to admit that this may have been my very first glimpse of it, ever. I like to think that I probably saw it as a kid (perhaps even caught it in a net and did the awful kill-it-and-stick-it-with-a-pin science experiment thing) and simply forgot all about it. Having seen its beauty up close, I won’t easily forget it now.
While at the lake, I enjoyed watching four of these large, exquisitely marked butterflies flitting quietly around a honeysuckle bush near the edge of the lake. They loved the nectar of this tall bush, and they would come back several times over the course of the day for another feeding, then take off, disappearing up high between the poplars and pines or flying lower, weaving through the underbrush. It wasn’t until late in the afternoon on the day I was leaving that I managed to get several good photographs. I am finding that butterflies behave somewhat like birds – flying away whenever I come too close. In any case, they didn’t stay in one location for long. I sat down and waited quietly, with my camera at hand, ready to shoot. At last, after about half an hour, one of the butterflies ignored me, and I was able to obtain several shots of it. I was fortunate to catch it dining at the pink blossoms of the honeysuckle and feeding along the edges of the bush. The cottage owner, Marj, brought out her guidebook, and was able to locate a photograph in her book. It felt satisfying to be able to call this yellow tiger swallowtail by its proper name.
Many people will have fond recollections of seeing the Canadian Tiger Swallowtail, as it is considered to be one of the best-known butterflies in the country. It has an impressive wing size of 53 to 90 mm, and the pattern on its wings is memorable. You can see the yellow background colour, the black stripes and checkered black wing border, and the elegant shape and surprising blue and orange colouring on the wing tail.
I am pleased to refer you to the experts to read more about this species, or subspecies, as it may be. To read about the Canadian Tiger Swallowtail and similar types, visit the Government of Canada butterfly website. This link connects you to a well researched article that describes the breeding habits and the wide range in which this particular type of swallowtail is found, and offers many interesting details.
Photos and text: NK
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